Utah Lake Century Epic Ride (ULCER) Report

[Alex]

No ulcers today at the 109-mile Utah Lake century! The day was hot and windy, but most of the course was fabulous. The first 33 miles went through some industrial areas and had a lot of stop signs and lights, although there was good traffic control at the most dangerous intersections and at the roundabouts. After mile 33, the route improved tremendously. We rode around Utah Lake and had gorgeous views of the lake, the mountains, and some orchards. The climbing was modest (2023 ascent, according to my Garmin), but the longest climb had us battling a very tough headwind. After about mile 70 or so, we turned right and the vicious headwind/crosswind turned into the most sublime of tailwinds. That portion of the course had rolling hills, with more down than up, so major speed was the order of the day for the next 20+ miles. I saw Sulis and friend and LifesGreat and friend. I hope they post their ride reports. My training partner had a very off day. Normally, we are pretty evenly matched over varied terrain. She powers through the flats and I'm better in the hills. She just didn't feel right, but refused to abandon the ride, even though she was really dragging. DH offered to SAG her back at mile 66 because he drove down to see us at the lunch stop. She wanted to keep going, but didn't want me to wait. DH kept an eye on her and I called him from the rest stops to see how she was doing. He fixed her up with Hammer Digest Caps and she felt good enough to soldier on. We hung around the finish so we could celebrate when she got there and talk about the ride over popsicles and chocolate milk. In describing the day, she said, "I am NOT a quitter!" And ain't that the truth! This was my second century, and I used Hammer products exclusively. (Perpetuam and two gels for the entire day, plus Endurolytes and Digest Caps). It was a great combination because I felt like a million bucks!

Alex

[Lifesgreat]

Great job Alex! I am glad to hear the west side of the lake wasn't too bad. Maybe next year. . .

I rode 62 miles of ULCER, cutting the last 5 miles of the route to ride to accompany my friend to her house. It was a nice ride but I learned a lesson that nearly cost me my life, literally. I looked to cross over two travel lanes to make a left turn on a 50+mph road and waited for a car to pass and thought a truck was farther back and travelling slower than it was. I crossed over and was nearly hit by the truck. The driver honked and swerved into the left turn lane to avoid me. There were SO many things that could have ended in disaster, but thank God they didn't. I made the turn, pulled over, offered a prayer of thanks and regrouped. My poor friend saw it happen. It was important lesson to me that one can be very careful 99.99% of the time, all it takes is the .01% of carelessness to end in tragedy. Boy, did I learn my lesson. I ate my lunch at the finish, kinda stunned and then went back to my car, called DH and just bawled. I felt so sorry for the truck driver as I must have scared the beejeebers out of him. Now I know what it is like to be one of those "near misses" I have seen . Other than that, I had a great time. No flats, didn't bonk and found that I ride quite well being powered by flat Coke and Oreos I got back to the start/finish before the wind really picked up so that was great. The rest stops were well spaced, the food was good and it was fun to ride. I am tired, but feel really good. And really thankful.

[Alex]

LG, thank goodness you are okay! My heart is pounding from reading your post. How terrifying for you, your friend, and the driver.

Alex

[AuntieK]

LG, that scared me! Glad to hear you're ok!
I kinda wish that I had done the ULCER with you gals. I raced a brutal race instead. I really could have used the 109 ULCER miles under my belt.
Good job to all who rode today. It was a great day for riding!

[Alex]

Lifesgreat,

If they keep the same route for ULCER next year, I would definitely recommend doing the whole 109. The views were very nice and the rolling hills were a lot of fun. I preferred the ULCER course to Little Red Riding Hood because the route was more interesting. Having done one really flat century and one that wasn't just flat, it think the not-so-flat route is easier because you get a break from the constant pedaling. Of course, if we had a head wind on the west side, instead of a tail wind, I might have a different opinion. At one point, the route turned back south to head into a neighborhood (maybe Saratoga Springs). Turning south was like hitting a wall! Fortunately, it was a very short segment.

Now, I'm thinking about the Heber City century in September. That's REALLY not flat...

Alex